At the heart of the writings of Bahá'u'lláh is the force of transformation, both of the individual and of society. The transformation of the individual is not an isolated process, centered wholly on one’s self-fulfillment.

In Bahá'í terms, the process of one’s individual development and fulfillment is tied to the centering of one’s energies on the betterment of humankind and serving the needs of the community and the larger society.

Fighting one’s spiritual battles, living according to spiritual laws and teachings are essential elements in fulfilling life’s purpose, but such efforts reach their fullest transformative effect when they are dedicated to service.

Thus, Bahá'ís are actively engaged in developing knowledge, skills, and spiritual insights that enable them to act as effective human resources and agents of change. This is vital to the integrated process of personal and social transformation. Presently, such collective learning takes the form of study groups called Study Circles.

Based on Bahá’í principles and universal moral values, study circles are proven participative method of learning which facilitates the exchange of personal life experiences, guided by the principles and teachings of the Bahá’í Faith. Aimed at improving our lives and make the world a better place, it unleashes the capabilities of the individual to realize his latent potentials when the participants take control of their learning collectively at their own pace in an atmosphere of love, fellowship and understanding in small groups of five to ten, facilitated by a tutor.

All are welcome in the classes, regardless of their ideas or beliefs. Participants will learn, for example, to teach values to children, to engage in community service activities, to assist and empower others to independently investigate spiritual truths, to learn how to competently express one’s views, and to engage oneself in serving the broader needs of society for unity, justice, and equity. Participants in study circles often experience a new sense of direction in life, better relationships with family and friends, and a fruitful re-evaluation of the contribution one can make to the wider community and to making the world a better place to live in.